(Tiffany Goodwein/CHATNewsToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Proposed operator for Veiner Centre draws concern from city councillor

Jan 25, 2021 | 5:32 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB- The City’s Public Services Committee got a first-hand glimpse into a proposed operator for the Veiner and Strathcona centres.

As CHAT NEWS previously reported, city staff is recommending Calgary-based Kerby Assembly as the new operator for seniors services.

The city said the move will result in a $190,000 savings while adding new programs and services focused on wellness, lifelong learning, and transitional supports.

Existing programs and services will also remain intact, including the Meals on Wheels Program, according to Leah Prestayko General Manager of Community Development.

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“Kerby’s proposal certainly demonstrates the level of experience and the quality of the servicing, and programming that they provide. In the proposal Kerby has committed to retaining all of the existing programs and services.” Prestayko said.

An RFP for an operator was issued in the fall, and Kerby Assembly was the only applicant that applied, according to the city.

During Monday’s committee meeting, Coun. Kris Samraj expressed his hesitation towards privatization.

“One of the big things that changed is, there was projected savings of $400,000, is what we thought privatization would bring to the Veiner Centre, that has been adjusted down to $190,000 per year. For me that is a pretty significant reduction, and I’m not sure that it is worth the amount of hassle that is going to come with the change,” Samraj said

He also expressed concern with Kerby Assembly being the only applicant and called it a “fairly important red flag,” citing the Canalta Centre, as an example.

“ The fact that there was only one bidder for the Veiner Centre here is for me analogous that there was only one bidder for Canalta, and CO-OP place, and if it plays out the similar way here, and of course we don’t know how it is going to play out but the financial performance of Canalta was terrible and I mean it has gotten worse every year,” Samraj said.

“I think the case for privatization depends a lot on having a competitive market for whatever you are trying to privatize,” he noted.

Chairperson for the Public Services Committee, Coun. Julie Friesen reserved her comments towards the proposal for the next council meeting but said one of her biggest concerns is ensuring the Veiner Centre building is well utilized.

“I worry that if we cannot get usage out of that centre, we might lose it and that’s a far worse alternative,” she said.

The building sustained significant damage during the 2013 floods and underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation and expansion that was completed in 2018.

Council is expected to vote on the proposal at their next council meeting on Feb. 1.